
With summer just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about getting your camper ready for the new season. There are several important steps to take to ensure your camper is ready for its first trip of the season and to avoid any unnecessary problems down the road. From de-winterizing your camper by flushing the anti-freeze from the water system to performing general maintenance such as checking your tires, batteries, and appliances, this guide will cover everything you need to do to get your camper summer-ready.
What You'll Learn
Dewinterize your camper
Dewinterizing your camper is an important step in preparing for the summer camping season. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Flush the Water System
If you added antifreeze to your water pipes for winterization, it's now time to flush out the system. Connect to a city water supply or use your freshwater tank and water pump to flush out the antifreeze. Continue flushing until there is no more pink liquid flowing out. If you used antifreeze in your water tank, mix one cup of bleach with a gallon of water and pour it into the empty tank. Turn on all faucets and let them run until you smell the bleach. Let the system sit for a day, then drain and fill it with fresh water. Repeat this process until the bleach smell disappears.
Sanitize Your Water Tanks
Sanitizing your water tanks is crucial for two reasons. First, it ensures a deep clean, removing any buildup from the past year. Second, it helps prevent unpleasant odours by breaking down and flushing out the sources of bad smells. To sanitize your tanks, follow the steps outlined in a video guide or use a water system cleaner and deodorizer.
Recharge and Reinstall Batteries
Before embarking on your summer adventures, check the charge on your batteries. If they are not fully charged, use a battery charger or trickle charger to top them up. If you have a lead-acid battery, ensure it never drops below 50% charge to avoid damage. Also, check the battery for corrosion, cracks, and water levels. If there is corrosion, clean the terminals, and top off the water levels.
Check Your Tires
Tires can lose air pressure during storage, especially if stored outside, so it's important to check and inflate your tires to the recommended levels. Driving on underinflated tires can be dangerous and cause damage. Inspect your tires for any signs of wear, cracks, or dry rot. If necessary, apply tire protection spray and tighten the lug nuts. Depending on their condition, you may need to purchase new tires.
Inspect the Exterior
Visually inspect the exterior of your camper for any cracks, damage, or leaks. Pay close attention to the roof, especially if your RV was stored outdoors, as snow accumulation may have caused potential leaks or structural damage. Apply or replace seals and weather stripping around windows, doors, and other seams as needed.
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Sanitize your water system
Sanitizing your water system is an important step in preparing your camper for summer. It ensures the water you use for drinking, washing dishes, and showering is clean and safe. Here are the steps to sanitize your water system:
- Drain your water heater and turn off any water source to the camper. Open a hot water faucet to relieve any water pressure.
- Remove the plug at the bottom of the tank to drain the tank. Also, open the relief valve at the top of the water heater to assist with draining. Never drain a water heater when it is hot or under pressure.
- Locate the low-point water drain lines and the drain for the fresh water holding tank and open them to let the water out.
- Turn on the water pump for a few moments to force any remaining water out of the system. Then, close all the drains.
- Calculate the amount of bleach needed based on the size of your fresh water tank. Use a ratio of 1 ounce of bleach to 8 gallons of water. Dilute the bleach in at least 1 gallon of water before adding it to the tank.
- Add the diluted bleach mixture to your fresh water tank. Fill the tank to between one-third and half of its capacity with water.
- Fill the fresh water tank to its full capacity with potable water. This helps move the bleach to all parts of the tank, ensuring a thorough clean.
- Turn on the water pump and open each faucet one at a time, running the water until you smell bleach. This sanitizes your water lines as well as the tank.
- Let the sanitizing mixture sit for at least 5 hours, but preferably 12 hours, to kill any bacteria.
- Drain the entire system and refill the fresh water tank with potable water.
- Open all faucets and run water until you no longer smell bleach. You may need to repeat this step a few times to completely remove the bleach smell.
By following these steps, you can ensure your water system is sanitized and ready for summer adventures.
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Check your battery
Checking your camper's battery is an important step in getting your vehicle ready for summer. If you removed the battery for storage, make sure to reconnect it correctly. If you're uncomfortable with this, get a service technician to do it for you.
If you have a lead-acid battery, it's important to never let the battery level drop below 50%, as this can cause damage. Top it off with water so it's ready to go. You can use a trickle charger to get it back to 100%.
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Test safety devices
Testing your safety devices is an important step in getting your camper ready for summer. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your safety devices are in working order:
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test the detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly. This is an important safety precaution that will give you peace of mind while on your travels.
Fire Extinguisher
Check that the needle on your fire extinguisher is in the green zone, indicating it is fully charged. Also, ensure the fire extinguisher is easily accessible and stored in an appropriate location.
First Aid Kit
Restock your first aid kit and include any emergency medication, such as antihistamines. It is important to be prepared for any accidents or injuries that may occur while on the road.
Emergency Supplies
In addition to your first aid kit, it is a good idea to have other emergency supplies on hand. This could include a portable power bank, a tire repair kit, and extra water and non-perishable food. When on the road, anything can happen, and being prepared will help you handle any unexpected situations.
By following these steps and testing your safety devices, you can confidently embark on your summer adventures, knowing that you are well-equipped to handle any potential hazards.
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Inspect the exterior
Inspecting the exterior of your camper is a crucial step in preparing for the summer camping season. Here are some detailed instructions to get you started:
First, conduct a thorough visual inspection of the exterior. Walk around your camper and carefully examine every inch of the outside. Pay close attention to the roof, windows, doors, and other seams for any signs of damage or leaks. Snow accumulation during the winter months can cause potential leaks, structural damage, or seam cracks on the roof, so be sure to give it a close look. Check the weatherstripping and seals around windows and doors for any cracks or peeling. If you spot any damaged or peeling sealant, be sure to replace it with new sealant to prevent leaks and water damage, which can turn into a nightmare.
Next, clean the exterior surfaces. Start by hosing down the exterior to remove any grime, dirt, or residue from the winter months. When cleaning the roof, use a product like Dicor UV protection to treat the surface and protect it from the sun's rays. Then, wash and wax the exterior using an RV-safe cleaner. Start at the top of the camper and work your way down, using an extendable brush or a soft cloth to avoid damaging the paneling. Pay extra attention to the tires, as they may have a build-up of dirt and grime.
After cleaning, inspect the tires for any cracks or signs of wear and tear. Check the treads to ensure they are safe for travelling. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure levels, as specified in your manual. Rotate and grease the bearings to keep your tires rolling smoothly. To retain moisture and prevent dry rot, apply a good-quality tire protection spray.
Finally, don't forget to check the slide-out seals (if applicable) and ensure they are functioning correctly.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to getting your camper ready for summer adventures. A thorough exterior inspection and maintenance routine will help identify and address any issues before they become bigger problems down the road.
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Frequently asked questions
De-winterizing your camper involves flushing the anti-freeze from the water system. This can be done with a city water connection or using your fresh water tank and water pump. It is important to wait until temperatures are going to stay above 32 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the water in your pipes does not freeze and cause them to break.
To clean your water system, you should first flush it with a mixture of bleach and water. Then, drain the system and fill it with fresh water. Turn on all the faucets and let them run until the bleach smell disappears. You should also check for leaks.
You should wash and wax your camper's exterior, starting at the top and working your way down to the tires. Check the roof for cracks and fix any you find to prevent leaks. Inspect the weatherstripping around the windows and doors, and replace any sealant that is cracked or peeling.